Shillong, Mar 12: Harijan Panchayat Committee has sought the intervention of Union Home Minister Amit Shah for Centre’s intervention on Punjabi Colony issue following the IED blast in the area.
The committee wanted the Centre to take up the case of the Punjabi Colony in a tripartite manner with the government of Meghalaya.
I am writing to express our deep concern and distress over the recent events that have shaken our community to its core’, said Gurjit Singh, secretary of Harijan Panchayat Committee.
“On the evening of last Saturday (9th March, 2024), around 10:30 p.m., our peace was shattered by an alleged IED (Improvised Explosive Device) blast near the City Bus Syndicate, inside the entrance of the Punjabi Colony. This attack not only caused physical damage to the infrastructure nearby but has also instilled a pervasive sense of fear among the residents. Walls & windows of many neighbouring houses and shops including proposed community water supply area have been devastated. Shri Lakhan Singh, a state cricketer and a resident of our community, sustained injuries from this cowardly act”, Singh said.
“It is pertinent to mention that the Sikhs of Punjabi Colony, who predominantly reside in have been subjected to threats from various tribal groups through the media on a regular basis since the attack in 2018. These groups have been openly inimical to the presence of non-tribals in Meghalaya, creating a sustained atmosphere of intimidation and fear. There have been sporadic incidents of attacks on Sikhs too. They have not been reprimanded or stopped from spreading hate and prejudice. The case concerning the rights and residence of our community members is currently subjudice, with ongoing efforts between the Government of Meghalaya, Harijan Panchayat Committee, and other stakeholders to reach an amicable resolution. Despite numerous meetings and dialogues, tangible progress has been elusive. Even the promise of intervention by the Government of India, made in the wake of previous tensions, remains unfulfilled. We are confident that if the Union Government takes the initiative to resolve the matter, it should be easily possible”, Singh said.
“The recent blast, we fear, is a deliberate attempt to derail the fragile peace process. This incident is not isolated but is indicative of the larger issue of communal harmony and the safety of minority communities within the state of Meghalaya. The arrests in the case are indicative of acts of elements instilling fear and attempting to overawe the beleaguered residents of the Punjabi Colony”, he said.
No condemnation
“We bring to your notice with deep concern that nobody from the government of Meghalaya-from the Chief Minister downwards has condemned the incident so far. The political leadership which generally issues statements against Punjabi Colony residents at the drop of a hat, they have not uttered a word or visited the area to express concern about the blast or support to the residents”, Singh pointed out.
“As you are aware, the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, the Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee and the National Commission of Minorities, the National Commission for Human Rights and other bodies have paid visits to the Punjabi Lane as the Sikhs continue to fight for their legitimate rights. We, therefore, urge the Union Government of India, under your leadership, to take immediate and decisive action. It is imperative to not only investigate this recent act of violence thoroughly but also to hold accountable those who have been issuing threats and fostering an environment of fear among the non-tribal populations. We believe that peace and order can be restored with swift action against the mischief-makers, rather than allowing such critical issues to be brushed under the carpet. The residents of Punjabi Colony seek nothing but to live in peace and harmony, contributing to the society and economy of Meghalaya as we have done for generations. The current state of fear and insecurity hampers not only our well-being but also the broader societal cohesion and development of the state.The Union Government is duty bound to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights and safety of all its citizens, regardless of their ethnic or communal backgrounds. Your immediate attention and intervention in this matter will not only ensure the safety of the residents of Punjabi Colony but also send a strong message against communal violence and intolerance. We look forward to your swift action and support in these trying times.We seek your immediate intervention to taking up the case of the Punjabi Colony in a tripartite manner with the government of Meghalaya”, he added
